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While the technology market has shown signs of slowing growth in many parts of the world, technology spending in Asia continues on its torrid pace, says a new study released recently by IHL Group. India and China continue to invest heavily in their retail IT infrastructure driving high double-digit growth in POS terminals and other technologies.

"Both home grown retailers and global retailers entering the market are driving the increased IT spend," said Greg Buzek, president of IHL Group, a global research and advisory firm that serves retailers and retail technology vendors. "Marks & Spencer's investment in Reliance in India and concerted efforts by Wal-Mart and Carrefour to expand in the region are helping to increase the overall investment for POS and other technologies."

According to the study, shipments of POS terminals to China have for the first time increased beyond that of the region's traditional power Japan. As investments in roads and other infrastructure increase across the region, IT investments will also continue to expand throughout Asia. Software counterfeiting, particularly in China and Vietnam, remains a major issue, however, and will split the markets of most countries into both legitimate and "not so underground" black markets. These are just some of the results from the 2008 Asia/Pacific POS Terminal Market Study, available immediately.

Additional findings include:

• Shipments to China increased 19 percent in 2007 and should see similarly high double- digit growth in 2008.
• The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will be a major test to the retail infrastructure of China due to influx of nearly 800,000foreign visitors.
• Microsoft Windows Shipments dominate the POS shipments to the region, however, counterfeit versions in many countries remain a challenge.
• Linux enjoys strong growth opportunities, particularly in China, where it is the operating system of choice for the central government.

IHL's 2008 Asia/Pacific POS Terminal Study reviews the shipments and installed base of POS terminals sold into retailers in the Asia/Pacific region. It includes market shipment and installed base figures, market value, situation analysis for eight retail market segments, overall trends affecting the POS market, and forecasts through 2012. The study is available for purchase at www.ihlservices.com.

About IHL Group
IHL Group is a global research and advisory firm for technologies deployed in the retail and hospitality industries. With its core research and data services, IHL is the world leader in tracking who uses what systems in retail technology. IHL has researchers on five continents, enabling the firm to also provide market analysis and opportunity assessment for technology vendors. For more information, see www.ihlservices.com

SOURCE: IHL Group